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The Business Doctor: cancelling holidays

JW writes: We have recently had an influx of contracts. I need as many skilled workers as possible to cover shifts over the next three weeks, and I wish to cancel some forthcoming annual leave. Do I have the right to do so? If not, can I introduce a clause in my employees’ contracts and what should the wording of such a clause be?

The needs of a business are always paramount and, in theory, you can stop people going on holiday, writes Peter Done, managing director of Peninsula.

First, you need to look at other options. Seek the assistance of a recruitment agency and consider taking on temporary workers. Has someone recently left who could be asked to return to cover the period? These and similar factors should be taken into consideration before stopping someone’s holiday.